Beyond its anime-esque aesthetics and next-gen tech, the now award-winning EV Outlier Concept showcases a bold vision for the future.If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn moreLast fall, I waxed ecstatic about arguably the most eye-popping moto at the Japan Mobility Show, Honda's hyper-futuristic EV Outlier Concept.Though its appearance is as Akira-leaning as you can get sans a red paint job, what's under the hood is equally notable.The Honda EV Outlier Concept represents Honda's vision for electric motorcycling beyond the year 2030. - Credit: HondaBoth elements just helped the bike score a Red Dot Design Award, specifically in the Design Concept category.AdvertisementAdvertisementSo let's take another long, lingering look at Honda's vision of a post-2030 electric two-wheeler.Function drives formThe leading innovation here is the use of front and rear in-wheel motors, which dramatically open up the profile beyond the practical limitations of gas-powered machines.Front and rear in-wheel motors are a leading innovation, removing the packaging constraints of a gas engine. - Credit: HondaThat's what freed Honda's designers to lay out a super-sleek silhouette with unconventional dimensions and a lower-than-average riding position, which Honda says the latter amps up the feeling of acceleration while offering a unique field of view.Meanwhile, a double-wishbone front suspension replaces the usual telescopic fork, camera mirrors sub in for glass and a dual-screen display surfaces real-time torque distribution. The Outlier ditches the universal telescopic fork for the rare configuration of a double-wishbone front suspension. - Credit: HondaThe vibe is complemented by smooth bodywork and a smoked-clear outer structure that showcases the mechanical underpinnings. AdvertisementAdvertisementThese elements also hint at Honda's overall perspective on electric motorcycles that do not seek to mimic traditional bikes but rather open up new possibilities. Smooth bodywork pairs with a smoked-clear outer shell that showcases the engineering beneath the surface. - Credit: HondaThose ideas are further elucidated in a brand film, What Is a Motorcycle? / Electric Motorcycles, which also won a Red Dot Award, in the Brand & Communication Design class. Of course, a couple of key questions are left unanswered. First, will the Outlier ever see the road? It is, after all, aimed at the world of the upcoming decade (and beyond), which could look very different from our current reality. Don't expect to see these wheels on the road anytime soon: the Outlier targets life after 2030. - Credit: HondaSecond, as cool as this bike is to look at, how satisfying/comfortable is it to actually ride?AdvertisementAdvertisementWe will have to wait and see on both fronts, but in the meantime, the convention-challenging form and function on display here is no doubt impressive, lifting the Red Dot recognition above such pedantic concerns.More to comeThe Honda EV Outlier Concept is far from the production stage, but we'll be keeping an eye on it as we get closer to (gulp) 2030.Honda EV Outlier Concept Learn More About the Author:Now managing editor, Steve has served in a variety of roles with GP since 2019. Having previously written and edited for such publications as Men's Health, Men's Journal, Esquire and ESPN, he enjoys covering a range of topics — but mostly those pertaining to cycling, snow sports, pocket knives and motos — and dreams of a utopian world in which everyone's bike seat is at the proper height.AdvertisementAdvertisementWant to stay up to date on the latest product news and releases? Add Gear Patrol as a preferred source to ensure our independent journalism makes it to the top of your Google search results.
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